HB 126 Summary: Code of Military Justice; Appeals

• Establishes a comprehensive Code of Military Justice for Alaska's militia (National Guard, Naval Militia, State Defense Force) with courts-martial jurisdiction over military offenses and procedures similar to the federal Uniform Code of Military Justice.

• Creates the Military Appeals Commission as a quasi-judicial agency with three members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature to hear appeals from courts-martial regarding sentences, punishments, findings, and matters of law.

• Provides for appellate review by the Alaska Supreme Court of Military Appeals Commission decisions in cases involving confinement sentences that meet criteria under AS 12.55.120.

• Defines military offenses including desertion, absence without leave, insubordination, sexual assault, stalking, larceny, fraud, and conduct unbecoming an officer, with specified punishments ranging from nonjudicial punishment to confinement up to 10 years.

• Removes criminal immunity for militia members and establishes procedures for grand jury proceedings, competency evaluations, mental health commitments, and cooperation with the Attorney General and Department of Corrections regarding detention and confinement.